How Gamification and Serendipity Effect Short Video Addiction: The Mediating Role of Flow Experience and Willpower Resource Depletion

Abstract This study aims to explore how gamification strategies and serendipity influence addictive behaviors in short video applications. Based on the Dual Process Model, the study examined two pathways affecting short video addiction: automated and controlled processes. Flow experience represents the automated process, while willpower resource depletion represents the controlled process. The findings reveal that both gamification and serendipity significantly enhance flow experience, and serendipity reduces willpower resource depletion. Flow experience promotes short video addiction, while willpower resource depletion serves as an inhibitory factor. Additionally, the study found that flow experience both mediates the relationship between gamification and short video addiction, serendipity and short video addiction. While willpower resource depletion just mediates the relationship between serendipity and short video addiction. This study contributes to understanding the complex psychological mechanisms of short video addiction and provides new insights and practical guidance for the healthy development of short video platforms.